Chapter 472: Dark Demon Never Harms (8k)
“Did he just have a momentary greed?”
Dark turned his head and looked at Ignatz Cooper in the compartment, recalling the details of falling asleep inside the magical locomotive.
Perhaps the other party truly only had a momentary greed.
But so what?
From the moment he decided to take action, everything was already beyond resolution.
As for promoting Dark as a candidate for the divine child, that was even more absurd.
Who gave them the confidence to tempt a duke’s son to join a sect that has been around for less than six years?
Do they really think that duke’s son is an immature child?
Oh, it seems so.
…
Dark shook his head. Since the Knowledge God religion’s original intentions were not malicious and later events were merely Ignatz Cooper’s personal actions, there was no need to delve too deeply. It was enough to impose appropriate punishment on Ignatz Cooper.
The Duke’s Mansion also needed to consider its own reputation and act according to reason. They generally did not do unreasonable things unless there was an extraordinary situation.
As for putting him on trial in court?
Considering this matter was not suitable for public disclosure, they would leave it at that.
Dark said to Chris, “So from now on, this guy’s affairs will be handled by you.”
Chris asked curiously, “Aren’t you going to chat with him?”
Dark shook his head, “No.”
There was no necessity.
He was just a minor figure.
“By the way, how did my teacher select me?” Before leaving, Dark suddenly remembered something and asked.
Chris explained slowly, “It seems he noticed your remarkable performance during the Easter Duel Festival held by Saint Maryann Academy, discovering that your golem has an intelligence level exceeding 3.0.
This technology is something magi aspire to achieve their entire lives. Moreover, they worship ‘knowledge,’ and such means to endow intelligence are extremely desirable. With such a method, you naturally fit their definition of a divine child perfectly.”
Chris continued, “Furthermore, from my perspective, none of the other twelve elders would find someone more fitting for the role of a divine child. If you wish, becoming the spiritual leader of the Knowledge God religion is almost certain.”
“So it is.” Dark thought for a moment and said, “Then let them know I have no intention. I hope they can understand my difficulties.”
Chris smiled, “No problem.”
…
Since Dark himself had no intention of staying, Alvaraite naturally wouldn’t stay in the cold storage either.
She felt very reassured to leave everything else to Chris.
As for the Knowledge God religion, previously they were tolerated by all forces because they genuinely did some good for the people. But since they themselves crossed a line, there was no reason to show mercy.
Alvaraite, although satisfied with her dear one’s calm attitude, would not stop here.
…
Not long after, the four returned to the surface.
Only then did Dark casually ask, “Since everyone thinks that establishing schools by the Knowledge God religion is beneficial to the people, why don’t we do it ourselves?”
Alvaraite looked at him in surprise and then couldn’t help but grab her dear one’s arm and hug him happily, saying, “Of course, because the church has actually taken on part of this responsibility. Now, every chapel across the kingdom is teaching people to read, and it doesn’t cost anything; people just need to come to the chapel every Sunday to perform some rituals.”
Dark asked curiously, “To gather believers?”
Alvaraite nodded, “Indeed, it’s one of the subtle influences. After all, it’s getting harder to deceive people nowadays. Only by doing actual deeds can you make others believe and trust you.”
Dark said, “But from what I know, the church only teaches basic reading and writing. Maybe some simple arithmetic. That cannot be called a school.”
“That’s true,” Alvaraite replied, “True education requires many considerations. Although we all know it benefits the people and can promote overall development, we also know that if more intelligent people emerge, it could cause problems with power concentration. Therefore, there must be great courage in promoting education.”
“The Knowledge God religion as an individual can do that. But as a political entity, we would encroach on the church’s domain and inevitably face opposition from stubborn nobles.”
“But the rapid development of the times demands the ability to see the future clearly to ride the wave of history.”
“On my side, I have always supported establishing schools and promoting education. Once we start, the Deoxys family will fully support it.”
“But I hope it is Eliza who brings it up.”
As she spoke, Alvaraite added a bit of concern for Eliza.
“What a worrying person.”
Dark’s expression softened, and he moved closer to Alvaraite.
…
Promoting education is a significant matter.
Alvaraite had long had ideas about it.
The Big Princess likely had considered it too.
But to implement it, it requires not just great courage.
If successful, she would gain a decisive advantage in the struggle for inheritance.
But if it fails, she might be completely out of the competition.
Times change, the path ahead is uncertain, and no one can easily clear the fog and make a decision.
…
That evening, Dark continued to draw 1.5 points of “Pride” and welcomed the interview day.
At 8:30 AM, Dark sat down in the reception room on the first floor, with Alvaraite and Deoxys beside him, and Claire next to them.
Olivia and Trina stood behind Dark, one on each side.
Montiel Farley, the city lord, was not present.
The three people and one beast behind the long table drank tea and chatted idly.
Alvaraite and Claire had canceled their official duties to attend this interview specifically to pick the most suitable candidate.
As for Deoxys, it represented the golems.
At the same time, Dark wanted to observe the reactions of the applicants through its presence.
“I didn’t expect Professor Buckner Cyrus to apply,” Claire flipped through the documents, somewhat surprised.
“It’s too obvious,” Alvaraite shook her head slightly, not having much faith in this “silent sage.”
“Teacher…” Claire thought for a moment and said, “He is a true scholar purely devoted to magical research, but that was a long time ago. I don’t know what his current state is. Compared to that, I place more hope in the tutors of the two little princesses—Mrs. Monique Cook.”
Alvaraite couldn’t help but smile, “Indeed, she not only has rich teaching experience but is also serious and loves children. I think there’s no one better suited.”
Claire agreed wholeheartedly, then picked up Camilla’s documents and mocked, “On the contrary, I have no idea what Camilla is here for. Is she really not afraid of tying her husband completely to our ship?”
“Perhaps we can understand it from another angle,” Alvaraite said, “She came to apply precisely to display this attitude.”
Dark watched the two adults talk confidently and couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Why can’t Mrs. Camilla be here for Aurora?”
“She wants to, but being in the family, she has no choice,” Claire said, “Her decision must have been made with family considerations in mind. In fact, your birthday banquet has already subtly changed the situation in the capital.”
At this point, both Claire and Alvaraite couldn’t help but smile.
What seemed like an unintentional act had unexpected consequences.
With the information about the guests at Dark’s birthday banquet spreading, especially that the Gretebail family and the Floret family still attended the private tea party at the Duke’s Mansion after the banquet, some initial speculations were confirmed.
In just these few days, many people who had cooperated with the Gretebail family had indirectly inquired about the situation.
Although Viscount Gretebail stated that he only took his daughter to the birthday party of a classmate,
this only made people speculate further.
Some even directly pointed out whether he had intentions to marry into the Duke’s Mansion!
Even the older members of the family had him questioned closely.
Some older members who were originally indifferent to the matter became instantly concerned once the topic shifted to marriage!
Viscount Gretebail had gradually felt overwhelmed…
Fortunately, the kinship between Lady Camilla and the city lord Montiel Farley had not been widely publicized; otherwise, he would have faced even more troubles.
In short, these past few days.
The ups and downs of the matter were known; the Valkyrie’s restless son had achieved the top rank among first-year students at Saint Maryann Academy. He was no longer the spoiled, incompetent boy he once was.
Many who were close to Diana would tease her about this when they encountered her, which often left her flustered and chasing after them in anger.
Within the Gretbail family, a joyful atmosphere prevailed for a time.
In short, the troubles and worries were the viscount couple’s alone; others continued their lives as usual.
…
In the Floretty family.
None of the things that Viscountess Floretty feared had come to pass.
The matter had only just begun to spread, with most of the attention still focused on the Gretbail family; thus, the Floretty family remained largely unaffected.
However, the day before, Viscountess Floretty received an unexpected invitation to a tea party, which filled her with both surprise and deep concern.
To dispel her worries, she and her husband searched everywhere like squirrels, seeking out books related to magecraft, piling them up at home.
They had money but lacked connections.
Even Viscount Floretty began to plan for finding a tutor for Rose.
But finding a qualified mage tutor was difficult, and they had no leads, causing them great distress.
…
These details were all reported to Alvaraite’s office without exception.
Alvaraite and Claire discussed the current situation and felt it was advantageous for the Duke’s Mansion, but it was not suitable to actively promote it. It would be best to watch and wait, allowing events to unfold for some time.
…
As several people chatted, a few individuals arrived at the Duke’s Mansion one by one.
First to arrive was Debby Giles, a recent graduate from Saint Maryann Academy.
This eighteen-year-old young mage wore her robes formally, with light makeup, clearly taking the interview seriously.
For her, this was an opportunity she wanted to seize.
…
Following Debby Giles, “Silent Sage” Buckner Cyrus slowly descended from a carriage.
At eighty-three years old, despite using magic potions to maintain his health, the traces of time were evident on him.
He hunched over, leaning on a cane, with deep and weathered wrinkles on his face.
A maid standing at the door immediately approached to help him into the mansion.
Next, sixty-one-year-old former Royal Botanical Garden director, Batty Plant, stepped down from a slowly approaching carriage.
Though twenty years younger than the “Silent Sage,” Lady Plant was still robust, yet there was a natural arrogance typical of high-ranking officials in her demeanor.
After she was also invited inside, Monica Cook, the former tutor of the two princesses, arrived somewhat late.
Finally came “Silver Wolf Knight” Camilla.
Camilla entered the Duke’s Mansion in civilian clothes, without any attempt to hide her presence.
Clearly, she and her family had reached some kind of consensus within a very short time.
For example, marriage?
Looking across the entire capital city, at least for now, there seemed to be no one more suited to the family’s gemstone than Dak Demon.
The only issue was that Dak’s combat skills were slightly lacking, which did not align with the general aesthetic of the Gretbail family.
…
In the reception room.
Maid Supervisor Jasmine entered from outside and whispered something.
Alvaraite said, “Everyone here? Where’s Camilla?”
Jasmine nodded, “Everyone’s here, including Lady Camilla.”
Alvaraite nodded and turned to Dak sitting in the main seat, asking, “Who should we start with?”
Dak tapped the table twice with his finger and said, “Let’s go in order.”
Jasmine immediately said, “That would be Miss Debby Giles, followed by Sage Buckner Cyrus.”
Dak looked up and said, “Then let the senior student go first.”
Jasmine replied, “Yes, sir.”
After the words fell, Jasmine left the reception room.
The几位便整理了一下神色，准备迎接面试者。
大约三分钟后，Debby Giles在Jasmine的引导下进入了室内。
接待室中央摆放着一把椅子。
Jasmine微笑着说：“请坐。”
Debby Giles有些拘谨地坐了下来，面对着四位评审。
“咦？”
她的目光忍不住看向了唯一的非人类评审。
脑海中立刻浮现出这只白猫曾在决斗比赛中出场，是Dak Demon的魔导精灵！
“为什么会让一只魔导精灵来做评审？”
Debby Giles不禁想道。
“即使Demon学弟的魔导精灵智能极高，也不能在这种情况下担任评审吧？”
这个意外让她有些失态。
这份失态立刻被Dak等人收入眼底。
“Debby Giles，Saint Maryann的毕业生。”
Dak认真打量着这位学姐，说道：“我们先从自我介绍开始吧。”
“好的。”
Debby Giles立刻开始了自我介绍。
这段介绍明显比纸上资料更简洁明了，也更有条理。
至少在自我介绍上，她毫无破绽。
Dak还算满意，继续问道：“Giles，作为一名从Saint Maryann毕业的正式魔导师，你为什么要来应聘？”
Debby Giles稍微松了一口气，随即说道：“我是Fool’s Academy的学生，在毕业时并没有太多基础，需要依靠自己的努力来积累资本，才能在魔导师这条路上走得更远。而且我亲眼见过Demon学弟，如果需要教导的对象是你的话……”
“停。”
Dak抬手打断了她的自述。
“需要纠正一下，你需要教导的对象不是我，而是我的魔导精灵。”
…
Debby Giles瞬间露出了惊讶的神色。
显然完全没有想到这一点。
但她很快看向坐在Dak身边的Deoxys，迟疑道：“魔导精灵，拥有足够的学习能力？”
被她盯着的Deoxys顿时微微皱眉，直接开口道：“你对此有疑问？”
这一声开口，真的把Debby Giles吓了一跳。
她小心翼翼地问道：“我需要做什么？”
Dak皱眉道：“招聘要求上不是写了吗？三个月内完成基础教育。”
Debby Giles顿时苦起了脸：“我以为最多也就是教一下其他的贵族小孩。”
Dak：“不要你以为，要我以为。”
“好了，别为难她了。”Claire解围道，“那么，Giles，你对于三个月内完成对魔导精灵的基础教育这件事，还有什么疑问？”
Debby Giles无奈道：“教授，我对教导非人类学习没有信心。”
Claire微微一笑，看向Dak：“我想，这次面试应该可以结束了？”
Dak点了点头：“那么Giles学姐，麻烦你来一趟了。”
Debby Giles略显失落道：“没什么麻烦的，是我自己有所欠缺。”
Dak认真看了看她，忽而又道：“如果学姐还有意向的话，Floretty家似乎正好缺一个家教，你可以去试试。”
“Floretty家吗？”Debby Giles仔细想了想，抬头道，“我会去看看的，谢谢。”
Dak点头道：“那有缘再见。”
…
等到Debby Giles离开之后，Dak才稍微叹道：“挺可惜的，我原本还想让她教导一些学院内的魔导基础。”
Alvaraite温和道：“也不是所有人都能接受成为魔导精灵的教师，而且她也是刚毕业，对自己的教导水平没有太多自信吧。”
“没办法了。”Dak喝了口茶，说道，“那就下一个吧。”
…
第二位面试者。
“Silent Sage”Buckner Cyrus在一位女仆的搀扶下走进了接待室。
他坐下后抬头看了一眼评审席，眼中露出惊讶之色：“Kate，你也在这里吗？”
“是的，Cyrus老师。”Claire微笑道，“这么多年不见，老师的身体还好吗？”
Buckner Cyrus将拐杖靠在椅子边上，尽量直起腰，摸了摸自己的白须，说道：“别看我这样，其实身体还不错。就是这腿脚有些不利索了，每天都要多走动一下。”
“那就好。”Claire说道，“老师就不需要自我介绍了，能告诉我们，您为什么会想要来公爵府任教吗？
Alvaraite and Dark finally settled on Deoxys.
Subsequently, he revealed a hint of understanding: “I have never seen such a sentient golem before. If the objects that need to be taught are these golems, I would like to try to see how far their wisdom can be elevated. If not, please allow me to take my leave.”
“Indeed?”
The three exchanged glances.
Claire and Alvaraite both looked at Dark, awaiting his decision.
Dark smiled and said, “Then, Lord Cyrus, do you think my golems might be capable of mastering magic or even becoming magi?”
This was the answer Dark had been seeking all along.
But after an entire academic year, he had only managed to get the golems to control mana in simple ways.
Bakuna Cyrus couldn’t help but laugh heartily: “I would need a deeper understanding to know for sure. But it seems our goals align quite remarkably.”
“This is good, isn’t it?” Dark’s smile grew wider, “How about this? We can sign a one-month trial contract. After a month, we can decide whether to renew based on mutual willingness. If possible, perhaps it could be a longer-term contract!”
“That suits me perfectly!”
When Bakuna Cyrus said this, his entire posture straightened, and his mental state improved as well.
“Then, Jasmine,” Dark looked at the head maid and said.
“Bring in a chair and have Master Cyrus wait here for a moment.”
…
Thus, “Silent Sage,” Bakuna Cyrus remained in the guest room.
The third interviewee was summoned.
Madame Buddy Plant, the former director of the Royal Botanical Garden, walked straight into the room. Seeing Cyrus sitting by the side, she frowned and asked, “It’s already decided?”
“Madame Plant, please sit down,” Dark said, “We expect to hire at least two tutors.”
Madame Plant sat in the middle chair, then asked with puzzlement, “There are many students to teach?”
“Yes, about eighteen… well, perhaps one more.”
He thought of the Soul of the Moon Goddess.
“Nineteen students? Not too many,” Madame Plant said, “So it won’t be you, right? Can you tell me who it is?”
“It’s me, Madame Plant,” Deoxys replied calmly.
Madame Plant raised her eyebrows sharply.
She had noticed this golem from the start, but hadn’t given it much thought.
Unlike Debbie Giles, she wasn’t puzzled: “Teaching a golem? I have experience teaching plants. This golem can speak?
So it must also have sufficient learning ability.
Indeed, the longer one lives, the more interesting things one sees. If you have grass-type golems, I could try teaching them magic. What do you think?”
“There is one grass-type, and there is also one that counters grass types.”
Dark rubbed his forehead. Although Madame Plant was elderly, she exuded a strong aura and was highly receptive to the golems.
But what did it mean to teach plants?
Had the plants in the Royal Botanical Garden become sentient?
Dark pondered for a moment and suddenly had an idea: “Do you know anything about the Grass Cat Plant?”
“Grass Cat Plant, is that a new type of plant?” Madame Plant asked in confusion.
Dark felt a slight regret but still said, “It’s a mimetic plant with complete animal characteristics. If you’re interested, I can show you.”
Madame Plant thought for a moment and asked, “Does this mean I passed the interview?”
Dark shook his head: “Not yet. May I ask why you want to apply as a tutor?”
Madame Plant replied frankly, “I’m retired and looking for something to do. As one gets older, if one doesn’t stay active, one rusts.”
“No problem.” Dark nodded. He could accept this reason, “What subjects can you teach?”
Madame Plant confidently said, “Basic literacy and arithmetic, I can handle those. Additionally, I can try teaching basic magic. The magus sitting over there and I don’t overlap in specialties.”
“Basic magic teaching?”
Dark nodded slightly.
If possible, he was somewhat interested, maybe he could audit it.
Thus, he quickly made a decision: “A one-month trial period, if both parties are satisfied, we can renew the contract after a month, and starting from June, July, and August each year, we can give priority to rehiring. Is that acceptable?”
“June, July, and August?”
Madame Plant thought for a moment and suddenly said, “That works, working three months a year, not bad, not bad.”
“It looks like we’ve reached an agreement.” Dark couldn’t help but smile.
He didn’t mind such lively elderly women.
…
Madame Plant then sat next to Sage Cyrus.
The two elderly people briefly chatted, and the fourth interviewee was summoned.
It was none other than Monica Cook, the former governess of the two princesses.
When Mrs. Cook saw Madame Plant and Lord Cyrus, she showed a hint of confusion.
But unlike Madame Plant, she did not ask directly and merely followed the procedure by sitting in the middle seat, waiting for the interview to begin.
Undoubtedly, among the candidates so far, her professional qualities were the highest.
Just this performance alone earned Dark’s favor.
He did not ask her to introduce herself but directly asked about her reasons for applying.
Mrs. Cook said somewhat helplessly, “The two princesses have grown up, and I feel there’s nothing more I can teach them, so I resigned voluntarily. After all, I am not a magus. And after resigning, naturally, I needed to find another job. Coincidentally, someone recommended the Duke’s Mansion to me, so I came to try.”
“A very legitimate reason,” Dark nodded, “Then, what subjects can you teach?”
Mrs. Cook began listing her areas of expertise.
Truly comprehensive, from calligraphy, arithmetic, geography… to history, music, tea ceremony, except for magic, golem-related, and combat content, she could teach everything.
This reminded Dark of his past tutor.
Such a tutor favored by the royal family was indeed extraordinary.
Compared to Madame Plant and Sage Cyrus, Mrs. Cook was clearly more professional.
If the teaching process revolved around her, the golems would receive the best education.
Thus, Dark pointed at Deoxys and asked, “Last question, what do you think about being the tutor for golems?”
“Golems?” Mrs. Cook said with some confusion, “I don’t know much about golems, but can they understand human speech?”
“Of course,” Deoxys said somewhat helplessly.
Mrs. Cook was slightly startled but quickly calmed down: “That’s fine. But your golems are all… cute? I mean, overly fierce ones, I may not be able to handle.”
“Not at all,” Dark smiled, “They are all cute.”
Mrs. Cook sighed in relief and smiled, “Since they can understand human speech and talk, I can give it a try.”
Dark shook his head, “They can all understand human speech, but not all can talk. In fact, some golems need language training.”
“Hmm…” Mrs. Cook hesitated, “Then I can only promise to try my best.”
“That’s acceptable…” Dark nodded.
Being open to teaching golems was already quite commendable.
He then discussed the contract details with Mrs. Cook and finalized it.
…
“Only one left.”
Dark breathed a sigh of relief.
Among these five candidates, except for that senior student, they were all very reliable.
In fact, he was rather surprised. That senior student might lack acceptance ability and confidence.
This was not uncommon in the Fool’s Academy.
It was a pity.
As for the other three candidates, they were all excellent, making him feel like he had found a treasure.
“So lastly, as long as I deal with Lady Camilla, today’s interviews will be over.”
Dark looked at Alvaraite and Claire, and they all smiled.
It seemed their thoughts were very consistent.
If Camilla was coming for Aurora, Dark would agree to her application.
But if it was for political reasons, then Dark didn’t want the golems to be too involved in politics.
Therefore, he needed to interview her thoroughly next.
